The New York Belly Dance Festival 2026 was truly something special. What we experienced together over those days in New York City was more than a festival, it was a gathering of people, passion, and shared love for this art form. From the moment the doors opened, you could feel the energy. The connection. The excitement of dancers coming together from different places, backgrounds, and stories, all united through movement. To every participant who stepped into the space wit

REGISTER HERE The New York Belly Dance Festival is proud to present Kelvia Mitri-Meda for a special edition of Raqs in the City Sessions in New York City. Originally from Puerto Rico, Kelvia brings a unique and powerful blend of Caribbean energy and Lebanese influence into her dance. Her style is rooted in strong technique, precision, and musicality, while carrying a natural fire and expressive quality that makes her presence on stage both captivating and unforgettable. Deepl

REGISTER HERE The New York Belly Dance Festival is proud to present Ansuya for a special edition of Raqs in the City Sessions in New York City. Ansuya is not only an internationally acclaimed performer, but a true pioneer in modern cabaret belly dance. Raised in a family of dancers, she was immersed in the art form from a young age and went on to shape her own distinct voice within the global belly dance scene. She is widely recognized for her role as a featured performer in

We are honored to welcome Pierre Khoury to New York City for a special workshop series. Known for his powerful stage presence, musicality, and unique artistic voice, Pierre brings a dynamic and inspiring approach to belly dance that blends technique, emotion, and authenticity. This is a rare opportunity to train with an artist who not only teaches movement, but guides dancers to connect more deeply with themselves and the music. Workshop Details Location: Ripley-Grier Studio

We are honored to welcome Badra to the New York Belly Dance Festival for a special weekend of workshops and performances on March 21–22 in New York City . Badra is an internationally recognized belly dance artist originally from Chile who has built a remarkable career performing in Egypt , where she is currently based. Over the past several years she has become one of the most talked-about performers in the Egyptian dance scene, captivating audiences with her charisma, mus

Dance Together. Perform Together. Save Together. At the New York Belly Dance Festival , community is at the heart of everything we do. Our Ambassador Program was created to make it easier — and more rewarding — for dancers to come together, share the experience, and take the stage as a group. If you love dancing with friends, students, or your local dance community, this program is for you. What Is the Ambassador Program? The NYBDF Ambassador Program is designed for groups o

We are honored to welcome Sadie to the New York Belly Dance Festival 2026 — a deeply respected artist, master teacher, and influential voice in the global belly dance community. Sadie is an Egyptian-style belly dancer, educator, and the former belly dance choreographer for Shakira , contributing to the development of Shakira’s iconic movement language that brought Middle Eastern dance to a global audience. She is also the founder of Raqs Online , a pioneering online educati

We are thrilled to welcome Simon to the New York Belly Dance Festival 2026 , bringing his powerful fusion style, deep cultural knowledge, and unmistakable stage presence to New York City. Simon is an internationally recognized performer, choreographer, and educator known for blending traditional Middle Eastern dance forms with modern influences , creating work that is both grounded and innovative. His style is dynamic, expressive, and technically rich — seamlessly combining

We are honored to welcome Diva Darina to the New York Belly Dance Festival 2026 , bringing her signature artistry, refined technique, and powerful stage presence to our community. Originally from Ukraine, Diva Darina is an internationally acclaimed belly dance artist, choreographer, and master teacher who has performed and taught across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. She is widely known for her elegant lines, sharp precision, and unmistakable “Diva” aesthet

March 21 & 22, 2026 | EPA Studios The New York Belly Dance Festival (NYBDF) is a vibrant gathering of dancers, artists, and culture lovers from New York and beyond. Our vendor marketplace is an important part of the festival experience, offering attendees the opportunity to discover beautiful products, connect with creators, and support brands that truly align with our community. We are currently welcoming new vendors for our upcoming festival and invite you to apply. ⸻ Ven

The New York Belly Dance Festival (NYBDF) is more than a dance event — it is a growing cultural platform that brings together artists, students, audiences, and brands in a meaningful and impactful way. As we continue to grow each year, we are inviting brands, businesses, and partners to join us as sponsors and be part of a vibrant, engaged, and expanding community. Why Sponsor the New York Belly Dance Festival? Our festival attracts a diverse audience of dancers, creatives,

The New York Belly Dance Festival is back for its second unforgettable edition , taking place March 21–22, 2026 , in the heart of Manhattan, NYC . This international celebration of belly dance brings together world-class artists, passionate dancers, and vibrant community energy for a weekend of movement, culture, and inspiration. With workshops, gala performances, and a buzzing dance bazaar, NYBDF is one of the most anticipated global dance events in the United States. Wheth

Raqs in the City is back this December with a powerful and intimate workshop experience featuring the stunning Jasirah from Poland. Formerly known as Belly Dance Essence Experience , this ongoing NYC-based series has evolved into Raqs in the City , a platform that brings internationally acclaimed dancers to the heart of Manhattan throughout the year—offering dancers a chance to train with masters, build community, and stay inspired before and after the New York Belly Dance F

On September 21st , we had the immense pleasure of hosting the incredible Igor Kishka from Brazil for a day of dance, connection, and...

The first-ever New York Belly Dance Festival (NYBDF) took place on March 15-16, 2025, and what an incredible weekend it was! From breathtaking gala shows to powerful workshops and heartfelt connections, our community came together to celebrate the art, soul, and diversity of belly dance in the heart of New York City. Here’s a look back at everything that made this event so special. World-Class Workshops We were honored to welcome three internationally renowned master teacher

The New York Belly Dance Festival is more than just performances and workshops—it’s a place to shop, connect, and celebrate the art of...

The New York Belly Dance Festival is beyond honored to have Queen Esma as our Mistress of Ceremony for the Saturday Night Gala Show...

The New York Belly Dance Festival is more than just a dance event—it’s a full celebration of art, culture, and community. While the...

Saturday, March 15, from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Manhattan Mirage, NYC.A Unique Opportunity to Learn from Industry Experts The New York...

Her deep passion for the art form has led her to build a strong online belly dance community , offering workshops and educational...